Lao Cai, December 18 (VNA) - Hoarfrost, formed from frozen steam, appeared in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Cao Bang after a bout of chilly weather, with temperatures dropping below three degrees Celsius.

Khuong Quang Hanh, head of the Tram Ton ranger station at the Hoang Lien National Park in Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province, said that by 5am of December 17, hoarfrost had appeared at the peak of O Quy Ho, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam – some 1,959 metres above sea level, and the Silver Waterfall area – some 1,800 metres above sea level.

Many local people and visitors from other cities and provinces have rushed to Sa Pa town to enjoy the beauty of the frosty landscape and to snap photos.

The provincial Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said December 17 was the third day that the Sa Pa, Bat Xat and Bac Ha districts had experienced temperatures below three degrees Celsius, the lowest temperature recorded this year.

The chilly weather, especially early in the morning and at night, will continue for the next several days, it said, warning of mist, which may cause huge losses for local agricultural production.

At Phia Oac Peak, the second highest pass, in Cao Bang province, frost has been seen everywhere. On the road from Phia Den to the peak, frost has started covering the houses and crops.

On social media websites, photos of the frost in Sung La and Ta Phin communes of Dong Van district in Ha Giang province were shared.